All buildings, whether large commercial buildings or small homes, can be vulnerable to water damage. Whilst you can't prevent the wet season from happening, you can prevent it from causing damage to the buildings you own. Commercial waterproofing can be done in building basements, in underground car parks, and in any other area that may be vulnerable to flooding or water damage. Here's what you need to know about commercial waterproofing.
The Damage Signs to Look Out For
There are several signs of water damage that you should always look out for in your commercial building. These include:
- Mould on the walls or baseboards: this is sometimes accompanied by a musty odour
- A musty odour: even if you can't see mould, you may be able to smell mould that's hidden within the walls
- Peeling paint on the walls: paint may blister and then start to peel away when water damage is present
- Cracks in the basement floor: these cracks may result from the shifting of the foundation. Cracks like this allow water to work its way into the building to cause serious damage if not repaired.
- Discoloured areas on the walls or ceiling: when you have water damage, you may notice darkened or discoloured areas on the walls or ceiling. These areas are often perpetually damp due to continued water exposure, which can cause rotting of building materials over time.
Even if your building has none of the problem signs above, you need waterproofing. Preventing water damage is much less costly than dealing with a water damage disaster later.
What to Expect with Commercial Waterproofing
The waterproofing procedures used depends upon the nature of the water exposure and the severity of any prior damages. Waterproofing often includes repairs to any problems that must be remedied before waterproofing measures can be effective. The waterproofing process can include:
- Repair of burst pipes
- Removal and replacement of damaged wall and ceiling materials
- Crack sealing such as epoxy injection for floors
- Cement or asphalt crack repair in underground car parks
- Cement or asphalt sealing in underground car parks
- Application of a waterproof membrane on basement floors
- Application of a waterproof sealant to walls and ceilings
Every situation can be different, but in some cases the building should be cleared of employees before commercial waterproofing is done. If this is the case for your building, inform employees of the waterproofing dates and times well in advance so that it causes the least disruption in business possible.
Armed with the information above, you're now prepared to proceed with commercial waterproofing. To keep your building in tip top condition for the long term—even during the wet season—contact your local commercial waterproofing contractor for help today.
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